DIY Floating Wood Shelves!

April 28, 2015

Without a doubt, the most important component of our workshop will be – scratch that, is – the ability for heavy-duty storage. For almost two years, we’ve been tripping over power tools and our bulky air compressor, wading through paint cans (only to realize the can we need is at the bottom of a 10-can stack) and digging through cardboard boxes to find the fine grit sandpaper. It’s a miracle anything was ever accomplished in this house at all!

Finally, we have some shelves! Some really big, really hunky, really strong shelves!

After making a list of all the easy access items we’d like to store in the workshop (vs. what’ll end up going in the garage), we calculated and re-calculated how many shelves we’d need, how high they’d go and how much space they’ll allow. We measured our big bins, the height of two paint cans and checked inventory on all the glues, tapes and things that allow us to complete any given project. The prep and planning was a good week’s worth of work alone. And then, we got to work work!

For anyone who wants to take on this same project, your shopping list will vary depending on the width of your shelves, but here’s what we bought for four 6′ wide, wall-to-wall floating shelves:

WHAT WE DID. First, we took a minute to locate the studs behind our drywall. Jack likes to get involved, too, which always helps.

We needed to ensure that our shelves are strong, so we needed to build a support system that we would ultimately hide beneath the plywood sheets. We cut our 2x4s to the widths of our wall – two per shelf. To create a ladder-like support structure, we also made 14″ cuts from the remaining 2x4s, which was enough for 7 supports, end to end.

To save time and avoid needing to make any pocket holes, we used 2.5″ wood screws to create 3 sides of our internal structure, with about 12″ between each support. Note: Measure each shelf independently, as drywall is rarely (if ever?) square. For example, some of our wall widths varied by a 1/2″. The more precise your cuts, the better your outcome!

We attached our frame to the wall, putting two 4″ screws into each and every stud along the way. The level became our best friend at this point, and as is typical with inexpensive 2x4s, we did have some less than perfect twists in the wood. A good tug while keeping things level was necessary to get our support in place, and a right angle drill adapter was used for the studs to the left and right of the main wall; it was a tight squeeze. The remaining 2×4 was screwed on to the front, and again, we made sure to level, level, level.

We continued up the wall, allowing for different heights between the shelves, starting with 18″ at the bottom, two at 16″ and one at 14″. These shelves aren’t going anywhere!

I added a light coat of our wall color along the 2x4s, but only where the 2x4s meet with the wall. My thought was more preventative than anything; any imperfect cuts in our plywood would hopefully blend into the wall.

Now, let’s talk about those plywood sheets! We had all four sheets cut down to 17″ strips at the hardware store, which was the perfect depth to skin our ladder supports. (Think: 1.5″ 2×4 + 14″ support + 1.5″ 2×4 = 17″)

This meant that we only needed to use the circular saw to cut down the 6′ widths. The edges got a gentle sanding, and I stained everything using Special Walnut. (We opted to nix polyurethane altogether, since these shelves will be holding All the Things that’ll just scratch it up. It feels less precious this way, somehow.) Once the plywood was ready to go, a mallet helped to ease the boards into place – top and bottom – and we used a nail gun to secure the sheets along the ladder support.

With everything in place so far, we had a height of exactly 4″ for each shelf, and although we initially planned on using the leftover 1/4″ plywood to create the false fronts, we figured that for the amount of work we’d already put into these shelves, we should make it count. And so, we picked up 1×6 aspen planks, ripped them down to 4″ on the table saw, stained them, and, finally, popped them on with our nail gun. It was absolutely worth it!

You guys! We love them. The project turned out way better than we imagined it would, and we both joked that they were too nice for the workshop! In any case, the goal was to make them super strong (check!) and durable (check!), and we can’t wait to load them up.

We have a few more finishing touches for the room that we’d like to finish up this week, but it’s so close to being complete! And then maybe – maybe – we might be able to finish the kitchen. Word on the street is that our back door will be here mid-May, I say, as I knock on wood.

Hi Abby! I only used one coat on the plywood, and I put two on the aspen planks to match as close as possible. We allowed it to sit for a couple hours before installing, but I’ll admit they were slightly tacky upon installation. By Monday evening, they were dry and ready for loading up!ReplyCancel

I really like the look of these shelves and I’m thinking about doing something similar; However my space doesn’t allow me to have three walls do you think these would be strong enough for lots of books if only attached to two walls?ReplyCancel

Hi Cade, this would definitely work if only attached to 2 walls, but I’d keep the length and depth to a minimum. The ladder structure we’ve hidden beneath the surface is super strong, but I wouldn’t load a ton of paint cans on it if it was only on 2 walls. What are you hoping to stack on the shelves? How much depth will you need? Keep these things in mind before building!ReplyCancel

Daniela -October 26, 2015 - 7:35 AM

These are amazing! Thanks for posting step by step, I might just attempt something similar.ReplyCancel

[…] really have a clear vision for how I wanted to build the shelves. In the end, I went with Yellow Brick Home’s method of building the shelves and wrapping them. I ran to Home Depot, finalized my plan whilst in the […]ReplyCancel

Haley -December 29, 2015 - 1:36 PM

Just made these last night for a couple of corner floating shelves and they were super easy. Thank you for the tutorial!!ReplyCancel

[…] Big, Hunky and Strong Shelves: Without a doubt, the most important component of our workshop will be – scratch that,is – the ability for heavy-duty storage. For almost two years, we’ve been tripping over power tools and our bulky air compressor, wading through paint cans (only to realize the can we need is at the bottom of a (via Yellow Brick Home) […]ReplyCancel

[…] around neighborhoods, but I’ve been unsuccessful. So instead we’re leaning towards using this cool tutorial on a DIY distressed faux reclaimed wood. What do you guys think? For dinner I made us a Greek pizza. I know some people don’t […]ReplyCancel

Karen -January 19, 2016 - 7:20 AM

Love love your floating shelves. I’m planning on doing some
In my kitchen and you have the best plans I have come
across!
Thanks so much for all the instructions and the shelves
are just beautiful!!ReplyCancel

Question: How do you account for a wall that is not perfectly straight? I want to build something similar to this but I am worried that the wall it will be going up against is not totally straight. Is it easy to get the veneer to be flush against a wall that isn’t so straight?ReplyCancel

Hi Mike! Our walls are the farthest thing from straight. We measured each and every shelf individually – from the ladder-brackets to the veneer. Some veneers had to be longer than others, but with such a short depth, it really won’t make a huge visual difference. Especially when you load the shelves up with whatever your planning – you won’t even notice!ReplyCancel

[…] storage and display surfaces that update underused walls. Hang them wherever you want to stow. Diy floating wood shelves! Yellow brick home. The shelves are stunning. You are right that they are much too nice for a workshop, but it will […]ReplyCancel

[…] peninsula. I was thinking ikea since we won’t be using them for heavy stuff, but now that i. Diy floating wood shelves! Yellow brick home. The shelves are stunning. You are right that they are much too nice for a workshop, but it will […]ReplyCancel

[…] from homes+ magazine make it yourself and transform everyday objects into something special. Diy floating wood shelves! Yellow brick home. The shelves are stunning. You are right that they are much too nice for a workshop, but it will […]ReplyCancel

[…] Our hanging wall shelves plan shows you how to build a simple foursided shelf that attaches to the. Diy floating wood shelves! Yellow brick home. The shelves are stunning. You are right that they are much too nice for a workshop, but it will […]ReplyCancel

[…] for a workshop, but it will make the room much more useful. I was hoping to see them all loaded up. Diy floating wood shelves! Yellow brick home. The shelves are stunning. You are right that they are much too nice for a workshop, but it will […]ReplyCancel

[…] are stunning. You are right that they are much too nice for a workshop, but it will make the. Diy floating wood shelves! Yellow brick home. The shelves are stunning. You are right that they are much too nice for a workshop, but it will […]ReplyCancel

[…] shelves. These wooden shelves are not only functional but they’re beautiful as well. The. Diy floating wood shelves! Yellow brick home. The shelves are stunning. You are right that they are much too nice for a workshop, but it will […]ReplyCancel

[…] as a craft and sewing room. It didn’t have much storage though, so i decided to add some. Diy floating wood shelves! Yellow brick home. The shelves are stunning. You are right that they are much too nice for a workshop, but it will […]ReplyCancel

[…] shelving units, such as the ones used in courtney & michael's scandinavian comfort, are a. Diy floating wood shelves! Yellow brick home. The shelves are stunning. You are right that they are much too nice for a workshop, but it will […]ReplyCancel

[…] jen woodhouse. Replace those ugly wire shelving units and create something beautiful and builtin! Diy floating wood shelves! Yellow brick home. The shelves are stunning. You are right that they are much too nice for a workshop, but it will […]ReplyCancel

[…] a laundry room in an afternoon in an effort to create a stylish, functional and organized space. Diy floating wood shelves! Yellow brick home. The shelves are stunning. You are right that they are much too nice for a workshop, but it will […]ReplyCancel

I think you can still do it! You’ll just need to build a wider ladder structure, obviously, and you’ll need to secure it to the wall about every 16″ (screw into every stud if you can!). Assuming you can secure the shelves on the sides, too, you should be fine. I wouldn’t go much deeper than a 16″ shelf though for that stretch.

[…] Kiddo-I love the holidays. For me they kick-off with Halloween and don’t stop till after New Years. Actually I’m lying, Valentine’s Day. It is literally my way of getting through seasons that don’t involve flip-flops and 85 degree weather. I like to also drag them out and celebrate them as long as possible. These fun treats from Camille Styles had me all sorts of excited, especially with our upcoming Halloween party. Side note: for all you mom’s who love to send out Christmas cards, Zulily has a deal for up to 50% off Tiny Print coupons! Sale ends in 5 days! […]ReplyCancel

How long is the wall? I don’t know if I’d go too much longer than this, depending on the weight of the shelves for safety reasons. We were able to go not only in the back wall, but also the walls to the left and right as well, and hit every stud along the way! These shelves are SO STRONG, but I’d be careful with ‘floating’ shelves much wider thank these.ReplyCancel

[…] to be beautiful, they are stunning simply on their own, radiating minimalism and modesty. Yellow Brick Home will show you how to make these simplistic wooden floating shelves and you shouldn’t miss this […]ReplyCancel

Seth -June 1, 2017 - 5:58 PM

I thought this was so awesome I went ahead and did it myself in our laundry room! It turned out great! Though it was a little more work since the distance was almost 10ft which is longer than the 8ft plywood sheets. I’d post pictures but I don’t see any option to do that…ReplyCancel

Hi Greg! A nail gun or brad nailer will make the job a LOT easier, and I’m almost positive you can rent one from Home Depot or Lowe’s for a day. If that’s not an option for you, you can just finish nails, but it will be a bit more labor intensive. Either way, it can be done! Good luck!ReplyCancel